Slovakia vs Czech Republic Predictions

Ukraine are the early frontrunners in Group 1 in the second tier of the UEFA Nations League. Both Slovakia and the Czech Republic lost their opening matches in this competition to Ukraine, which has pushed them onto six points, putting them comfortably clear at the summit. While they look destined for promotion to the top tier, that’s left both Slovakia and the Czech Republic worried about relegation. Can either of them claim their first Nations League win, and ignite their hopes of finishing top?

The hosts were handed a win on a platter last time out, as they crushed Denmark 3-0 in a friendly. However, that was against a second string Danish side, and they were brought back to earth with a 1-0 loss away to Ukraine days later. Saturday’s home game is a chance for Slovakia to get things back on track, and make a possible tilt for top spot. After all, they were solid in World Cup qualifying, and they have enough quality to pull off a strong finish in this group.

The visitors had a terrible time in September, losing at home to Ukraine in their Nations League debut. That was followed by a hammering against Russia, which really laid out the Czechs’ problems. The visitors did win against Nigeria in a pre-World Cup friendly, but they barely challenged for a place in Russia themselves. They were no match for Northern Ireland in qualifying, and streets behind Germany. Will things improve for them in the Nations League? That doesn’t seem likely on recent evidence.

The home side will be desperate to bounce back from their Ukraine defeat, and home comforts should give them a great chance to turn things around. The away side have a poor record in away trips, which was carried on with their loss to the Russians. Their only away wins in World Cup qualifying were at San Marino and Azerbaijan, and this is a huge step up from those tests.

Slovakia have won six of their last seven home matches, and they managed to win their last four World Cup qualifiers at home to nil. That great run should continue in this clash, so we’re backing them to claim all three points and put the Czechs in a really difficult position. A home win is our tip, along with a 1-0 correct score.